Space Brief 21 Mar 2025
Today's highlights include SpaceX's new rocket-reuse record with a spy satellite launch, Space Force's funding strategies, and a European defense summit addressing security concerns.
STARLINK-30984 (58480)
COSPAR: 2023-186H | Alt Name: Starlink 30984
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
December 3, 2023
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC40
Launch Vehicle
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
58480
International Designator
2023-186H
Epoch
Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:16:55 GMT
Apogee
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Perigee
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Inclination
43.00°
Right Ascension
38.35°
Eccentricity
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Argument of Perigee
266.02°
Period
94.27 min
Mean Motion
15.28 rev/day
Latitude
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Longitude
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Altitude
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Velocity
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Polar Plot
3D Visualization
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Basic Satellite Info
Name
STARLINK-30984
Alternative Name
Starlink 30984
Type
Payload
Status
Operational
Owner
SPXS
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Latest TLEs
1 58480U 23186H 26200.59508604 .00000263 00000+0 19071-4 0 9994
2 58480 43.0046 38.3507 0001206 266.0198 94.0515 15.27574350146072
Source: Celestrak
Summary
The Starlink V2M satellite designated as STARLINK-30984 (OBJECT_ID: 2023-186H) was launched on December 3, 2023, from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, LC40, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 0.3 meters in length with a diameter of 4.1 meters and has a span of 29 meters due to its deployable structures. It has a dry mass of 700 kg and was launched with a total mass of 730 kg. Equipped with a Ku/Ka/E-band payload and an optical inter-satellite link, the satellite is powered by solar arrays and batteries. Its propulsion system includes Argon ion thrusters for orbital maneuvers. The Starlink V2M satellite serves communication purposes as part of SpaceX's Starlink Group 6-31-08 constellation mission.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX with the aim of providing global broadband internet coverage. Thousands of small satellites are deployed in low Earth orbit (LEO), enabling high-speed internet access even in remote areas. However, the rapid increase in satellites raises concerns about space debris and the potential for collisions, which can lead to further debris creation and endanger other spacecraft. Additionally, the sheer number of Starlink satellites can affect astronomical observations by increasing light pollution. Proper deorbiting plans and international coordination are essential to mitigate these challenges and ensure long-term sustainability in space.
Physical Characteristics
Length
0.3
Diameter
4.1
Span
29
Dry Mass
700
Launch Mass
730
Shape
Box + pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Starlink Group 6-31-08
Purpose
Communication
Mission
Communication
Manufacturer
SPXS
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Starlink V2M
Configuration
Starlink v2 Mini
Motor
Argon ion thrusters
Equipment
Ku/Ka/E-band payload, optical inter-satellite link
Power System
Solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Map
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration
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